KUWAIT CITY, Sept 19: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs directed licensed Hajj expedition bureaus to adhere to the regulations governing the participation of media personnel and celebrities during the upcoming Hajj season, in accordance with guidelines issued by the competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In a circular issued by the Hajj and Umrah Affairs Department, the ministry emphasized that media personnel participation is strictly limited to performing media duties as part of the accredited media team of Kuwaiti Hajj expedition bureaus. It also strictly prohibited including media personnel and celebrities in the administrative or organizational staff accompanying Kuwaiti Hajj bureaus in Saudi Arabia, thereby ensuring a clear separation between media functions and the bureaus’ administrative and organizational tasks.
The regulations also prohibit media personnel and celebrities present in Saudi Arabia from using social media platforms to commercially promote Hajj expedition bureaus. The ministry called upon all licensees to comply with the circular and observe its provisions when compiling lists of accompanying staff, while adhering to all applicable regulations and instructions. It stressed that violators will be held accountable for any infractions. It is worth mentioning that this circular is part of the regulatory measures for the 1448 AH Hajj season, aimed at organizing the participation of media personnel and celebrities and defining their roles. It reinforces adherence to approved standards and clearly distinguishes between media work and the administrative and organizational duties of Kuwaiti Hajj expedition bureaus.